The day when iPhones can be bought with bitcoin may be a long way off, but Apple is at least exploring cryptocurrencies.

According to a listing first spotted by CoinDesk, Apple is looking to hire a business development manager focused on alternative payments to join its Apple Wallets, Payments, and Commerce (WPC) team. And while the Alternative Payments tag is broad, it is later specified that Apple is seeking to hire someone with experience in "digital wallets, [buy now pay later], fast payments, cryptocurrencies," and other payment options.

To be sure, just because a job posting mentions cryptocurrency does not mean we will be buying iPads or AirPods with Bitcoin in the near future, or refilling our Candy Crush Saga accounts with Dogecoin via the App Store. However, this suggests that Apple is potentially open to partners in the crypto field, which could make it easier for developers to deploy payment and wallet apps on Apple devices.

The use of cryptocurrencies is already possible with Apple Pay and BitPay Prepaid Mastercard. This can be used for everything from contactless payments via iPhone or Apple Watch to in-app payments on iOS devices. Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has also announced that similar adoption is imminent for the Visa-based Coinbase Card.

This is also not the first time Apple has discussed cryptocurrencies; in a 2019 interview, Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay, said the company is "keeping a close eye on cryptocurrencies" and that Apple believes cryptocurrencies have "interesting long-term potential." He added that.

Obviously, there is still a long way to go before Apple fully opens its doors to cryptocurrencies, and it may not happen, but if it does, it will be a big story.

Market volatility and rapid fluctuations in exchange rates make it difficult for crypto investors to spend their coins on products and services. Some investors also prefer to continue holding coins in preference to spending them like cash and prioritizing the benefits they expect to gain in the future, even though there is no guarantee that their investment will be wiped out overnight.

However, as cryptocurrencies become more widely accepted and recognized as mainstream, they are also becoming easier for those who want to use them: retailers such as Overstock and Expedia accept bitcoin for purchases (although Tesla no longer does ), and PayPal recently enabled its U.S. customers to use cryptocurrency with its global retail partners. Will Apple one day join them? We shall watch with interest to find out.